This article reviews the effects of stress on the adrenal glands and how this leads to high cortisol levels. Health problems caused by high cortisol are described, as well as adrenal fatigue testing, and ways to reduce high cortisol.

If you have been feeling stressed out and tired of late, and also having problems with memory and concentration. It could be due to the stress hormone called cortisol.

Cortisol is a chemical substance produced by the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands are two tiny kidney shaped tissues situated right above the kidneys. One above each of the kidneys. The interior portion of the adrenal glands is called the adrenal medulla. It produces the adrenaline hormone. From the exterior portion of the adrenal glands, called the adrenal cortex, are produced the cortisol. It is also called hydrocortisone. Among the other hormones produced from the adrenal cortex, this is the most abundant and the most important.

The main utility of the cortisol is to help you in handling long-term stressful situations. However if one goes through stressful situations for a long time, the levels of cortisol remain high for the same duration. High levels of the hormone can lead to eventual adrenal fatigue and burn out.

The HPA, hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis, is the neurohormonal regulator of the stress response. When we face stressful situations due to physical, emotional or environmental reasons, the limbic system of the brain triggers the hypothalamus to secrete CRH or corticotrophin releasing hormone. The CRH then triggers the pituitary gland to secrete ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone).

When the levels of cortisol in the blood stream become high the HPA axis feedback mechanism turns off the corticotrophin-releasing hormone. This is a signal for the brain and adrenal glands to decrease the production of cortisol. Under continuous periods of stress this feedback system becomes ineffective once it becomes stuck in the fight or flight mode.

If there is adequate rest in our lives and we are able to maintain a balance between our work and rest, the levels of cortisol are unlikely to remain high. Adequate rest and nutrition will ensure that if the levels of cortisol shoot up occasionally, it will not create a major set back for our bodies. Inadequate nutrition, rest, relaxation and sleep coupled with high stress levels will cause excessive cortisol levels.

Some amount of cortisol in the blood stream is essential for life. It is necessary for normal brain, immune, muscle, blood sugar function, and blood circulation.

Cortisol deficiency can cause Addison's disease, which is a potentially fatal illness. Excessive production of cortisol is equally damaging. The Adrenal Stress Index is a saliva test that can determine if your cortisol levels are too high or too low. Too much cortisol can cause abdominal obesity, high blood sugar ("adrenal diabetes") muscle wasting, bone loss, immune shutdown, brain (hippocampus) atrophy, poor wound healing, thin wrinkled skin, fluid retention and hypertension. Excessive cortisol can cause increased fatigue/decreased energy, irritability, impaired memory, depressed mood, decreased libido, insomnia, anxiety, impaired concentration, crying, restlessness, social withdrawal, and feelings of hopelessness.